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WO1998010978A1 - Siege de bicyclette - Google Patents

Siege de bicyclette Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998010978A1
WO1998010978A1 PCT/AU1997/000593 AU9700593W WO9810978A1 WO 1998010978 A1 WO1998010978 A1 WO 1998010978A1 AU 9700593 W AU9700593 W AU 9700593W WO 9810978 A1 WO9810978 A1 WO 9810978A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
cyclist
recesses
cycle
seat body
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1997/000593
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul William Evans
Original Assignee
Evoss Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Evoss Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Evoss Pty. Ltd.
Priority to AU41050/97A priority Critical patent/AU4105097A/en
Publication of WO1998010978A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998010978A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J1/00—Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
    • B62J1/002—Saddles having a seating area with a central cavity or depression

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a cycle seat and, more particularly, to a cycle seat which is configured to provide a cyclist with a more comfortable and more stable posture with reduced risk of injury from the seat structure.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for high performance bicycle riding, such as time trialing and other racing, and it is herein described in this context. It will be appreciated, however, that the seat of this invention is not limited to an application to bicycles nor to high performance riding, but that it may be used in a variety of applications where a comfortable, stable and balanced seated posture is required.
  • Known bicycle seats commonly have a generally elongate "pear" shape when considered in plan view (i.e. when viewed from above the ordinary position of the seat) and the upper surface of such seats has a generally convex curvature.
  • the rearward or posterior portion of the seat has a broad upper surface providing broad contact to support the pelvis and gluteal muscles of the cyclist.
  • the seat then generally tapers from the broad rear portion towards the front of the seat with the sides curving inwardly, allowing for movement of the cyclist's thighs on either side.
  • the narrower forward or anterior end of the seat typically projects as a narrow stem which, in use, extends between the thighs of the cyclist.
  • This common seat geometry has (or creates) a number of problems.
  • One problem is that it causes an excessive portion of the cyclist's weight to be borne by sensitive parts of the body which are not suited to a weight-bearing role.
  • the narrow forward end of this type of bicycle seat causes the cyclist's weight to pressure the pubic and ischial rami of the pelvic bone structure.
  • the narrow forward end applies undesirable pressure to internal and external organs and structures of the cyclist. Pressure at these sensitive parts of the body not only causes discomfort but can also result in injuries.
  • the pubic and genital interference which occurs with this type of seat generates further problems. Racing cyclists seek to reduce drag by maintaining their upper body in a low profile position over the handle bars of the bicycle.
  • the generally convex shape of the upper surface of the conventional bicycle seat also has its drawbacks.
  • the convex shape causes shearing or sliding between the cyclist and the seat increasing the vulnerability to saddle sore development. This has to be controlled by the cyclist using his/her adductor muscles to grip or hold onto the anterior projecting stem to maintain balance of the pelvis and trunk and this results in a loss of energy through use of the adductor and postural stabilising muscles often causing chafing in the inner thigh region.
  • Australian patent no. 552531 discloses a bicycle seat which has two separate and distinct buttock supporting parts separated by a central gap. This seat substantially eliminates the central anterior projecting stem of the conventional seat and therefore does not generate the problems of pressure on the pubic and ischial rami and genitalia. However, this seat has the disadvantage that it does not provide a stable riding position for the cyclist and may pose significant health risks in the event of the cyclist being involved in an accident.
  • the present invention provides a cycle seat for comfortably and stably supporting a cyclist in a riding position
  • the cycle seat including a seat body having an upper surface for the cyclist to sit upon, the seat body including: support means adapted to receive and support bony prominences of the ischial tuberosities of the cyclist when the cyclist sits upon the seat; and stabilising means adapted to impart rearward and laterally outward directed reaction forces to the cyclist's pelvis to in use stabilise the cyclist in the riding position.
  • the support means includes a pair of laterally spaced recesses defined by the upper surface of the seat body within each of which recesses the bony prominences of the cyclist's ischial tuberosities may nestle when the cyclist sits upon the seat.
  • the stabilising means includes portions of the seat body adjacent the recesses against which the prominences of the ischial tuberosities may bear. Accordingly, the stabilising means preferably includes an anterior portion defined by the upper surface of the seat body located forwardly of and raised or elevated relative to the recesses.
  • the stabilising means also desirably includes a central or medial portion defined by the upper surface which medial portion is located between and elevated relative to the pair of recesses.
  • the raised anterior portion preferably extends generally transversely of the seat body and includes a first ridge member located forwardly of one of the recesses and a second ridge member located forwardly of the other of the recesses.
  • the medial portion typically extends generally longitudinally of the seat body, that is, it extends in the forward -rearward direction.
  • the elevated medial portion and the first and second ridge members may therefore together at least partially define the pair of recesses in the seat body.
  • the first and second ridge members join smoothly with the elevated medial portion to form two continuous ridges, each of which ridges curves in an anterio-medial arc adjacent a respective one of the pair of recesses.
  • the present invention therefore provides a cycle seat which is configured so that the cyclist's weight is primarily borne by the ischial tuberosities of- his/her pelvic bone structure.
  • the ischial tuberosities are received and supported in the recesses of the seat body. Accordingly, the optimum spacing or distance between the two recesses is dictated by the bi-tuberous diameter of the cyclist's pelvis.
  • the elevated anterior portion located forward of the recesses is adapted to impart rearwardly directed reaction forces to the cyclist's pelvis thereby providing anterior restraint and stabilisation to the cyclist.
  • the medial portion located between the recesses can impart reaction forces in the laterally outward direction to also provide medio-lateral stability.
  • a seat formed according to the present invention can therefore hold the cyclist in a riding position which is extremely stable and which minimises weight transmission to sensitive and delicate anatomical parts such as genitalia and the pubic and ischial rami. In addition, the very stable position minimises unnecessary pelvic movements.
  • the anterior portion subsides or declines laterally to provide relief for the cyclist's hamstring tendons and muscles.
  • the anterior portion subsides or declines laterally to such an extent that there is no raised portion at all on laterally opposite sides of the recesses, and the upper surface on those laterally opposite sides is convexly curved to relieve the hamstring muscles of the cyclist.
  • the anterior portion need not necessarily extend in a straight line transverse the seat body. Indeed it preferably extends in a generally V-shaped curve, the apex of which curve projects rearwardly and is located centrally of the lateral extent of the seat. Accordingly, the anterior portion may join with the medial portion at this central, rearwardly directed apex.
  • the medial portion of the seat body preferably includes a centrally located depression extending longitudinally thereof as a shallow channel to alleviate or prevent application to pressure to the prostate and anus. Furthermore, the medial portion declines posteriorly so as not to pressure the bony structures of the coccyx.
  • the anterior portion is formed from a raised front edge of the seat body.
  • the seat body may include no stem portion extending forwardly of the anterior portion to project between the cyclist's thighs and interfere with the sensitive pubic parts.
  • the seat body of this invention may in some preferred embodiments include a stem or nose portion which does extend forwardly of the anterior portion.
  • the stem portion is desirably located relative to the support means in such a way that it does not in use perform a weight bearing role. That is, the stem portion extends forwardly below or inferior to the weight-bearing surfaces of the seat so as not to interfere with pubic structures of the cyclist when the cyclist is in the riding position.
  • the cycle seat of the invention is desirably provided with means for attachment of the seat to a frame of the bicycle.
  • This attachment means typically includes means for adjusting the position of the seat by non-rotational displacement in the forward and rearward directions. Means may also be provided for adjusting the position of the seat by rotation relative to the frame in a forward or rearward direction about a substantially transverse axis. Adjustable displacement of the seat longitudinally of the bicycle may be at an angle such that it also includes a vertical component of height adjustment.
  • the attachment means is preferably provided under the seat body such that it extends into a stem portion of the seat.
  • the seat body of the invention may be formed from a polymer plastic material or a polymer composite such as a glass or carbon fibre laminate and is preferably formed by moulding as a one piece construction. Alternatively, metallic material or a natural product such as leather may be used.
  • the seat desirably includes a layer of relatively soft material covering the seat body to provide cushioning for greater comfort in use.
  • the seat structure of this invention enables the weight of the cyclist to be borne by anatomical structures which are adapted for that particular purpose. Specifically, the cyclist's weight is primarily borne by the bony prominences of the ischial tuberosities, with additional support available upon the gluteal muscles.
  • the invention enables the forwardly projecting weight-bearing stem of conventional bicycle seats to be eliminated altogether
  • the absence of a weight-bearing stem portion projecting between the cyclist's thighs means that sensitive tissues of the pubic and ischial rami, genitalia and internal organs are relieved of pressure, thereby eliminating the discomfort and risk of injury caused by loads bearing on those tissues. Furthermore, chafing and/or rubbing of the inner thighs can be minimised.
  • the absence of pubic and genital pressure enables the pelvis and the vertebrae of the spine to be oriented in a more comfortable riding posture. That is, the cyclist is able to comfortably orientate the pelvis to achieve a more functional position allowing the spine to remain significantly more straightened and thereby reducing pressure on the lower back caused by excessive lumbar flexion.
  • this invention also provides a cycle which includes a cycle seat as described above.
  • the present invention is herein described with reference to its normal in-use orientation and terms such as "forward”, “anterior”, “rearward”, “posterior”, “upper”, “lower”, “medial”, “central”, “lateral” and “longitudinal” should be construed in light of this orientation. It will be appreciated, however, that other orientations are also possible and that consequential changes in terms such as those above may be required in light of the other orientations for a proper understanding of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cycle seat according to an embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cycle seat shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of a cycle seat according to an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the anterior ridge portion and medial portion shaded;
  • Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a cycle seat according to a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the seat shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 6 is a front view of the seat shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 7 is a rear view of the seat shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 8 is an inverted plan view of the seat shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 9 is a rear-side perspective view of the seat shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a cycle seat according to another particularly preferred embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a side view of the seat shown in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of the drawings show an early conceptual embodiment of a cycle seat (1) according to the invention.
  • the cycle seat (1 ) includes a seat body (2) having an upper surface (3) for the cyclist to sit upon.
  • the seat body includes support means comprising a pair of recesses (4) which are laterally spaced apart and defined by the upper surface (3).
  • the recesses (4) are adapted to receive and support bony prominences of the ischial tuberosities of the cyclist when the cyclist sits upon the seat. That is, a respective one of the cyclist's ischial tuberosity may nestle within each of the recesses (4).
  • the broken lines (5) in Fig. 2 identify the general in-use location of the cyclist's ischial tuberosities.
  • Cycle seats (1 ) according to this invention can therefore be configured in a variety of sizes to suit different pelvic dimensions. It will be appreciated that female cyclists will generally require seats with greater spacing between the recesses (4).
  • the seat body (2) also includes stabilising means in the form of portions of the seat body adjacent the recesses (4) against which the ischial tuberosities may bear.
  • the stabilising means includes an anterior portion (6) and a medial portion (7) which present bearing surfaces and are adapted to in use impart reaction forces to the pelvis of the cyclist to stabilise the cyclist in a good riding position.
  • the anterior portion (6) is located forwardly of and is elevated or raised relative to the recesses (4).
  • the anterior portion (6) extends generally transversely of the seat body (2) and includes a first ridge member (8) located forwardly of one of the recesses (4) and a second ridge member (9) located forwardly of the other one of the recesses (4).
  • These anterior ridge members (8,9) are configured to provide rearwardly directed reaction forces to the pelvis thereby providing anterior restraint and stabilisation to the cyclist.
  • the medial portion (7) is located between and is elevated relative to the recesses (4). As such, the medial portion (7) is adapted to impart reaction forces to the cyclist's pelvis in the laterally outward direction thereby providing medio-lateral stability.
  • the medial portion extends generally longitudinally of the seat; that is, it extends in the generally forward and rearward directions.
  • the elevated medial portion (7) and the first and second ridge members (8,9) of the anterior portion (6) combine to at least partially define the pair of recesses (4) of the support means.
  • Fig. 3 which shows another early conceptual embodiment of a cycle seat (1 ) according to this invention
  • the first and second ridge members (8,9) join smoothly with the elevated medial portion (7) to form two continuous ridges (10), each of which curves in an anterio-medial arc adjacent a respective one of the pair of recesses (4).
  • the raised anterior portion (6) extends transversely of the seat body (2) in a generally V-shaped curve, the apex (11 ) of which curve projects rearwardly and is located centrally of the lateral extent of the seat.
  • the anterior portion (6) joins with the medial portion (7) at this central, rearwardly directed apex (11).
  • Each of the first and second ridge members (8,9) of the anterior portion (6) declines or subsides as it extends laterally outward. Indeed, the ridge members decline to such an extent that there is no ridge member at laterally opposite sides
  • the upper surface (3) of the seat body on those laterally opposite sides (12) includes convexly curved regions (13) to prevent application of pressure and consequential discomfort at the cyclist's hamstring muscles and tendons.
  • the upper surface of the seat body defines a posterior portion (14) which slopes generally upward and provides additional surface area for supporting the cyclist's gluteal musculature.
  • This surface region (14) rearwardly of the dashed line (15) provides additional, optional gluteal support.
  • the anterior (6), medial (7) and posterior (14) portions of the seat body together define the pair of recesses (4).
  • Figs. 1 to 3 provide the anterior portion at a raised front edge of the seat body (2). That is, according to these embodiments the seat body of this invention includes no stem portion extending forwardly of the anterior portion to project between the cyclist's thighs and interfere with sensitive parts of the body.
  • Figs. 4 to 9 illustrate a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention.
  • the cycle seat (1) includes a stem portion (15) which extends forwardly of the raised anterior portion (6).
  • This stem portion (15) is located relative to the support surfaces (4,14) in such a way that it does not have a direct role in bearing the weight of the cyclist. That is, this stem portion (15) extends forwardly below or inferior to the recesses (4) so as not to interfere with the pelvic structures of the cyclist when the cyclist is in the riding position.
  • the stem portion (15) slopes downwardly.
  • the seat body (2) is typically formed by moulding a polymer material to form a hollow, shell-like one-piece construction. Such mouldings may include reinforcing elements (16) on an underside thereof as shown in Fig. 8.
  • the cycle seat (1 ) also includes means for attachment of the seat to a bicycle frame. This attachment means includes means for adjusting the position of the seat by displacement in the forward and rearward directions and, in the present case, is in the form of a generally U-shaped rod (17) located under the seat body within its generally hollow, shell-like structure. That U-shaped rod (17) extends longitudinally of the seat body and within the forwardly projecting stem portion (15).
  • the seat of Fig. 4 has significantly less lateral extent, with a considerable amount of unnecessary surface area having been eliminated.
  • the seat configuration of Figs. 4 to 9 still includes the surface area (14) located rearwardly of the recesses (4) for supporting the gluteal musculature of the cyclist. This region is particularly advantageous for road cycling. If the cyclist wishes to relieve pressure from the ischial tuberosities from time to time he/she may push back onto this region and be supported by the gluteals. Furthermore, when riding uphill, this region (14) provides posterior support and restraint for the cyclist.
  • the medial portion (7) in this embodiment includes a centrally located depression (18) which extends longitudinally in the form of a shallow channel. As best seen in Fig. 9, this depression (18) flares or widens laterally in both the forward (19) and rearward (20) regions of the medial portion (7) to merge smoothly with the stem portion (15) and rear edge of the seat body (2), respectively.
  • This depression (18) is important because it alleviates or prevents pressure being applied to internal organs, the anus and the coccyx.
  • Forwardly flared portion (19) primarily relieves pressure on the prostate, while the posterior flared region (20) is primarily for alleviating pressure on the anus and bony structures of the coccyx.
  • the medial portion (7) also declines rearwardly in the flared region (20) to add to this relief effect.
  • the shallow channel formed by the longitudinal depression (18) more clearly defines the ridges (10) which curve in an anterio-medial arc adjacent the recesses (4).
  • Figs. 10 and 11 show another preferred embodiment of this invention similar to the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 9.
  • the embodiment incorporates a significantly longer forwardly extending stem portion (15) and a larger rearwardly extending surface region (14) for gluteal support.
  • the stem portion (15) in this embodiment is again configured so as not to perform a primary weight- bearing function, again being arranged inferior to or below the recesses (4) which receive and support the ischial tuberosities of the cyclist as the main weight- bearing surfaces of the seat. It may seem strange that a cycle seat concept which requires no forwardly extending stem portion should be embodied with such a pronounced one. However, this particular embodiment has been developed to satisfy rules governing international cycling competition which require seats to be of a minimum length.
  • a cycle seat in accordance with the invention provides an improved supporting arrangement creating good stability and balance for the cyclist with reduced risk of injuries compared with conventional cycle seats.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention décrit un siège de bicyclette (1) pouvant supporter de manière confortable et stable un cycliste en position de marche. Le siège de la bicyclette comporte un corps de siège (2) possédant une surface supérieure (3) permettant au cycliste de s'asseoir. Le corps de siège (2) comporte des moyens de soutien tels qu'une paire d'alvéoles (4) permettant de soutenir et maintenir les proéminences osseuses des tubérosités de l'os ischial du cycliste lorsque ledit cycliste s'assied sur le siège. Le corps de siège comprend également des moyens de stabilisation tels que des parties antérieures et moyennes (6, 7) adjacentes aux alvéoles (4) contre lesquelles les proéminences osseuses des tubérosités de l'os ischial du cycliste peuvent porter, les moyens de stabilisation étant adaptés pour transmettre vers l'arrière et latéralement vers l'extérieur les composantes de force de réaction au bassin du cycliste pour stabiliser ledit cycliste lorsqu'il se trouve en position de marche.
PCT/AU1997/000593 1996-09-13 1997-09-12 Siege de bicyclette WO1998010978A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU41050/97A AU4105097A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-12 Bicycle seat

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO2298 1996-09-13
AUPO2298A AUPO229896A0 (en) 1996-09-13 1996-09-13 Bicycle seat

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998010978A1 true WO1998010978A1 (fr) 1998-03-19

Family

ID=3796611

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1997/000593 WO1998010978A1 (fr) 1996-09-13 1997-09-12 Siege de bicyclette

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPO229896A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998010978A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2354747A (en) * 1999-10-01 2001-04-04 Stephen Alexander Morris Bicycle saddle
WO2001034456A1 (fr) * 1999-11-05 2001-05-17 Aous Asfar Siege de bicyclette
WO2009031962A1 (fr) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-12 Mikael Jansch Selle de bicyclette
US20190092409A1 (en) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-28 Edge Cycling Technologies LLC Cycling saddles with concave features for supporting pelvic anatomy

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB252889A (en) * 1925-05-27 1926-06-10 Douglas Motors Ltd Improvements in saddles for cycles and like vehicles
GB341796A (en) * 1930-01-31 1931-01-22 Frederick Mesinger Improvements in and relating to vehicle saddles
US4773705A (en) * 1987-06-22 1988-09-27 Terranova Joseph M Bicycle seat
EP0286559A2 (fr) * 1987-04-09 1988-10-12 Daniel Beylet Selle à appui musculaire fessier
WO1991001244A1 (fr) * 1989-07-11 1991-02-07 Paul Martin Yates Selle de cycle a conformation anatomique
WO1992011175A1 (fr) * 1990-12-20 1992-07-09 Yates Paul M Selle de bicyclette orthopedique a troussequin a surfaces relevees formant une saillie vers l'avant
GB2281541A (en) * 1993-09-06 1995-03-08 Edward John Wilkinson Cycle saddle

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB252889A (en) * 1925-05-27 1926-06-10 Douglas Motors Ltd Improvements in saddles for cycles and like vehicles
GB341796A (en) * 1930-01-31 1931-01-22 Frederick Mesinger Improvements in and relating to vehicle saddles
EP0286559A2 (fr) * 1987-04-09 1988-10-12 Daniel Beylet Selle à appui musculaire fessier
US4773705A (en) * 1987-06-22 1988-09-27 Terranova Joseph M Bicycle seat
WO1991001244A1 (fr) * 1989-07-11 1991-02-07 Paul Martin Yates Selle de cycle a conformation anatomique
WO1992011175A1 (fr) * 1990-12-20 1992-07-09 Yates Paul M Selle de bicyclette orthopedique a troussequin a surfaces relevees formant une saillie vers l'avant
GB2281541A (en) * 1993-09-06 1995-03-08 Edward John Wilkinson Cycle saddle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2354747A (en) * 1999-10-01 2001-04-04 Stephen Alexander Morris Bicycle saddle
WO2001034456A1 (fr) * 1999-11-05 2001-05-17 Aous Asfar Siege de bicyclette
WO2009031962A1 (fr) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-12 Mikael Jansch Selle de bicyclette
US20190092409A1 (en) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-28 Edge Cycling Technologies LLC Cycling saddles with concave features for supporting pelvic anatomy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AUPO229896A0 (en) 1996-10-10

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